Laryngotracheoesophageal Cleft Type 3

A congenital respiratory tract anomaly characterized by a cleft extending through the cricoid cartilage, sometimes into the cervical trachea, with severe swallowing disorders, lung infections and pulmonary damage.

Epidemiology

Prevalence of this form of LC is unknown, but it is thought to be very rare. To date, about 30 cases have been reported in the literature. .

Clinical description

Patients have constant aspirations and severe respiratory and swallowing disorders with a high risk of pulmonary infection.

Etiology

The causes underlying development of this anomaly are unknown.

Management and treatment

Parenteral nutrition may be required temporarily in patients with high-grade LCs due to the high risk of aspirations. High-grade LCs often require a mid- to long-term gastrostomy, often with fundoplication. Treatment involves surgical correction of the cleft, often requiring an external approach.

Prognosis

The prognosis in this type of LC is poor.